My kids want chores?!

[Beth E. (NJ)]

A few nights ago I saw a special on Discovery health about the Dilley family. That's the family where the mom had 6 babies. The kids are now turning 9. The parents talked about having a chart (a ladder) that charted the priviliges the kids were allowed due to good behavior. They also had a chore chart.

It inspired me to give my own kids some chores. Up until now my 8 year old hasn't been responsible for any real chores on a regular basis. She rarely remembers to put her dirty clothes down the laundry shoot without my reminding her 4 times so how much else should I ask her to do. She does do stuff, just not on a "this is your job" type of level.

So the day after the show I told my kids I was giving them chores. They will take turns setting and clearing the table. Yesterday night my older one was so happy to rinse and load the dished into the dishwasher. My older one also loves to use the scrub brush to wash out the toilets (go figure!) so that's going to be her job too.

The Dilley kids do the bathrooms, the laundry and do dishes. It was inspirational! LOL

 

[Jenn Lynn]

I think some young kids like to help out. It gives them a sense of responsibility and pride that they helped to contrbute to the house.

DD, who is almost 2, helps me make the beds, clean her room and pick up her toys from around the house, and she also helps me unload the dishwasher (tupperware and her dishes only .) And lately I have been having her help set and clear the table. She loves it, but it is still like a game to her.

 

[Pooh93]

My dd's 7 and 5 have their chores. A couple are they make their beds everyday, (5 yr old still needs help) clean their rooms, 7 year old cleans the kitchen counter and microwave for me and youngest 5 year old gets to use the Windex and clean the front and back door. I also have them unloade the dishwasher for me. Sometimes this goes well and sometimes it does not! They usually grumble at getting started, but once they get going do a pretty good job. I usually start the guilt of "I'm not the only one that lives in this house and if you want me to take you to do fun things, then you need to help me here." Just call me mean mom!